Publishers Weekly
01/23/2017
Ehman (Keep It Shut), bestselling author and Proverbs 31 Ministries speaker, writes on the challenge of keeping one’s mouth shut so that the few carefully chosen words one does speak will serve to enhance ones life and build up others in the process. Ehman makes her 40 chapters easy to follow; they’re filled with prompts, suggestions, and resources that will facilitate using self-control to speak only in ways that bring help, not hurt, into everyday situations. No matter whether people are angry, tired, irritable, hurt, sad, happy, or joyful, she writes, they are all in control of how they use their voices. Ehman sets biblical guidelines for using one’s thoughts (which necessarily affect one’s words) to the betterment of others. Readers will laugh, cry, and commiserate with her real-life examples of how she successfully (and not so successfully) tamed her tongue at crucial life junctures. Readers will also receive daily nudges to stop before they speak, consider before voicing strong opinions, and learn to make reparations as needed. For Christ-followers looking to harness the power of their words, Ehman is a clear, persuasive guide. (Feb.)
Shaunti Feldhahn
'A great follow-up to her book Keep It Shut, this practical and engaging devotional will convict and encourage you! We all need to tame the tongue, don't we? This practical help is exactly what we need to get us there!'
Chrissie Dunham
'Our words are directly tied to the condition of our relationship with Jesus. The 40-challenge of Zip It arrives at a great time in the history of the world. Social media, circles of friendships, and family relationships are built and destroyed with the power of our words. Zip It is a great book that will help you have victory of your mouth! Take the challenge!'
Dr. Tony Evans
'Our words are a powerful weapon—for good or for evil. To wield our weapons properly, we need to allow God to steer our speech, aligning our words with his will. Karen Ehman has given us an important tool in this quest. Zip It takes us on a 40-day devotional journey through the Bible, giving us biblical direction, questions for reflection, and a daily challenge to ponder as we discover what to say, God's way of saying it, and when we'd better just shut our mouths.'
Arlene Pellicane
'Our words hold the power to make someone feel like a king or a pauper. This book will help you with 'mouth management' so the ones closest to you will feel like royalty. Karen Ehman is a trusted guide who will teach you when to zip it and when to speak up.'
national speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries and wr Whitney Capps
'Karen has done it again! In her coffee-shop-chat style, Karen's latest devotional encourages us to use our words wisely. With her perfect blend of teaching and transparency, Karen leads with wisdom and wit. I felt convicted but hopeful that this is a change that is biblical and possible!'
Courtney Joseph
'This 40-day challenge is just what I need to help me refocus and think through the words I say daily. Karen Ehman's biblical wisdom, mixed with practical insight and everyday applications, helps me see that I can do better. If I follow God's Word and think before I speak, I can learn to zip it and so can you! This is a must-read for all of us.'
Wendy Blight
'Karen equips us with takeaways, lessons, and prayers to ensure the words we speak not only please the Lord but also bless and encourage others. I especially love her challenge to create a 'word-robe' (a word wardrobe) within our hearts and fill it with biblical truths and promises tailored to meet our needs and circumstances.'
Cindy Bultema
'Karen Ehman teaches God's truth in an authentic, practical, humorous, yet very relational way. In her new book, Zip It, Karen guides us through Scriptures concerning the tongue, while also providing application-oriented takeaways and helpful lessons for our lips. Not only did Zip It inspire me to choose my words more carefully and prayerfully—especially when Facebook makes me feisty—but I also can't wait to read it with my two tween daughters. This devotion will be a 'go-to' for many years to come. Highly recommend!'
Glynnis Whitwer
'Karen Ehman combines biblical depth and relational breadth, then wraps it all in practical application, making Zip It the complete package! In it, Karen has identified all the nuances of our speech, especially those with potential to harm, calling us out in the very kindest way, and offering hope for our wayward tongues. The right word in the right manner at the right moment has the power to transform lives. I'm so grateful to Karen for inviting us to a place of loveliness and grace with our words in a world that so desperately needs both.'
Patrick and Ruth Schwenk
'Few people use words wisely. Those who do are like a 'rare jewel,' as the Scriptures say (Proverbs 20:15). Short, insightful, and aimed at the heart, Karen Ehman's brand new devotional, Zip It, offers hope to those of us who want to be that 'rare jewel.' Powerful!'
Jill Savage
Our words just may be the single most important key to successful relationships. This book is a gem and it reminds us of that. It’s practical, easy-to-read, and just what is needed to enable us to use our words in a way that brings life to those around us. Thank you, Karen, for such a powerful book wives and husbands both can use!
speaker and author Tracy Wilde
Imagine what the world would look like if we only used words to build, bless, encourage, and praise? That is the world Karen offers us through her compelling and life-giving challenge to zip it. This book is a much-needed 40-day diet for the soul—leaving you with new and life changing habits on how to use your words!
Clare Smith
With great application, personal insight, and humor, Karen Ehman dives into an area each one of us struggles with—our words! She has a way of taking touchy subjects, giving them a fresh perspective, and pointing us to grace-covered truth. What a perfect book at any age and stage of life!
Marian Jordan Ellis
Thank you, Karen Ehman, for writing this book! Zip It landed in my lap when I absolutely needed to read it. Let me confess, as a woman who speaks far faster than she thinks; this 40-day challenge was a Godsend! With all the different relationships I juggle, I’ve witnessed far too many times how my words speak life or death. I’m so grateful for the truth and transformation found in these pages . . . and so are those closest to me!
Jennifer Thorn
In Zip It, Karen Ehman gives us a hard but needed 40-day challenge to practice using our tongue to heal and give life instead of as a weapon that hurts and kills. Her use of Scripture coupled with personal examples help us learn to use our words for the honor of God and the good of our neighbor. This is a much-needed challenge!
speaker and blogger at Mandy Young.com Mandy Young
Keeping my mouth shut is a daily struggle—whether it’s talking too much when I need to listen, partaking in the watercooler gossip when I should walk away, writing my opinion on social media when it’s not needed, or the hundreds of other reasons. While doing the Keep It Shut study I became more aware of my mouth and its actions. I am so excited for this devotional and the daily reminders of how to keep it shut! I have a feeling I will start it over every 40 days!
From the Publisher
A great follow-up to her book Keep It Shut, this practical and engaging devotional will convict and encourage you! We all need to tame the tongue, don't we? This practical help is exactly what we need to get us there!--Shaunti Feldhahn, social researcher and bestselling author, For Women Only
Few people use words wisely. Those who do are like a "rare jewel," as the Scriptures say (Proverbs 20:15). Short, insightful, and aimed at the heart, Karen Ehman's brand new devotional, Zip It, offers hope to those of us who want to be that "rare jewel." Powerful!--Patrick and Ruth Schwenk, founders of TheBetterMom.com and ForTheFamily.org; coauthors, For Better or For Kids
Imagine what the world would look like if we only used words to build, bless, encourage, and praise? That is the world Karen offers us through her compelling and life-giving challenge to zip it. This book is a much-needed 40-day diet for the soul---leaving you with new and life changing habits on how to use your words!--Tracy Wilde, speaker and author,
In Zip It, Karen Ehman gives us a hard but needed 40-day challenge to practice using our tongue to heal and give life instead of as a weapon that hurts and kills. Her use of Scripture coupled with personal examples help us learn to use our words for the honor of God and the good of our neighbor. This is a much-needed challenge!--Jennifer Thorn, pastor's wife and blogger, jenthorn.com
Karen equips us with takeaways, lessons, and prayers to ensure the words we speak not only please the Lord but also bless and encourage others. I especially love her challenge to create a "word-robe" (a word wardrobe) within our hearts and fill it with biblical truths and promises tailored to meet our needs and circumstances.--Wendy Blight, Proverbs 31 Ministries First 5 Writing Team; author, I Know His Name: Discovering Power in the Name of God
Karen has done it again! In her coffee-shop-chat style, Karen's latest devotional encourages us to use our words wisely. With her perfect blend of teaching and transparency, Karen leads with wisdom and wit. I felt convicted but hopeful that this is a change that is biblical and possible!--Whitney Capps, national speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries and writer for their First 5 app
Karen Ehman combines biblical depth and relational breadth, then wraps it all in practical application, making Zip It the complete package! In it, Karen has identified all the nuances of our speech, especially those with potential to harm, calling us out in the very kindest way, and offering hope for our wayward tongues. The right word in the right manner at the right moment has the power to transform lives. I'm so grateful to Karen for inviting us to a place of loveliness and grace with our words in a world that so desperately needs both.--Glynnis Whitwer, Executive Director of Communications, Proverbs 31 Ministries; Senior Editor, Encouragement for Today online devotions; editor, The NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women
Karen Ehman teaches God's truth in an authentic, practical, humorous, yet very relational way. In her new book, Zip It, Karen guides us through Scriptures concerning the tongue, while also providing application-oriented takeaways and helpful lessons for our lips. Not only did Zip It inspire me to choose my words more carefully and prayerfully---especially when Facebook makes me feisty---but I also can't wait to read it with my two tween daughters. This devotion will be a "go-to" for many years to come. Highly recommend!--Cindy Bultema, Bible teacher, speaker; and author, Red Hot Faith and Live Full, Walk Free: Set Apart in a Sin-Soaked World
Keeping my mouth shut is a daily struggle---whether it's talking too much when I need to listen, partaking in the watercooler gossip when I should walk away, writing my opinion on social media when it's not needed, or the hundreds of other reasons. While doing the Keep It Shut study I became more aware of my mouth and its actions. I am so excited for this devotional and the daily reminders of how to keep it shut! I have a feeling I will start it over every 40 days!--Mandy Young, speaker and blogger at MandyYoung.com
Our words are a powerful weapon---for good or for evil. To wield our weapons properly, we need to allow God to steer our speech, aligning our words with his will. Karen Ehman has given us an important tool in this quest. Zip It takes us on a 40-day devotional journey through the Bible, giving us biblical direction, questions for reflection, and a daily challenge to ponder as we discover what to say, God's way of saying it, and when we'd better just shut our mouths.--Dr. Tony Evans, senior pastor, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship, Dallas; founder, The Urban Alternative; former chaplain, Dallas Cowboys; chaplain, Dallas Mavericks; author, Watch Your Mouth: Understanding the Power of the Tongue
Our words are directly tied to the condition of our relationship with Jesus. The 40-challenge of Zip It arrives at a great time in the history of the world. Social media, circles of friendships, and family relationships are built and destroyed with the power of our words. Zip It is a great book that will help you have victory of your mouth! Take the challenge!--Chrissie Dunham, Global Director of Women's Ministry, Prestonwood Baptist Church
Our words hold the power to make someone feel like a king or a pauper. This book will help you with "mouth management" so the ones closest to you will feel like royalty. Karen Ehman is a trusted guide who will teach you when to zip it and when to speak up.--Arlene Pellicane, Proverbs 31 Ministries writer and speaker; author, 31 Days to Becoming a Happy Mom
Our words just may be the single most important key to successful relationships. This book is a gem and it reminds us of that. It's practical, easy-to-read, and just what is needed to enable us to use our words in a way that brings life to those around us. Thank you, Karen, for such a powerful book wives and husbands both can use!--Jill Savage, founder, Hearts at Home; coauthor with husband Mark Savage, No More Perfect Marriages
Thank you, Karen Ehman, for writing this book! Zip It landed in my lap when I absolutely needed to read it. Let me confess, as a woman who speaks far faster than she thinks; this 40-day challenge was a Godsend! With all the different relationships I juggle, I've witnessed far too many times how my words speak life or death. I'm so grateful for the truth and transformation found in these pages . . . and so are those closest to me!--Marian Jordan Ellis, author and founder, Redeemed Girl Ministries
This 40-day challenge is just what I need to help me refocus and think through the words I say daily. Karen Ehman's biblical wisdom, mixed with practical insight and everyday applications, helps me see that I can do better. If I follow God's Word and think before I speak, I can learn to zip it and so can you! This is a must-read for all of us.--Courtney Joseph, author and blogger, WomenLivingWell.org and GoodMorningGirls.org
With great application, personal insight, and humor, Karen Ehman dives into an area each one of us struggles with---our words! She has a way of taking touchy subjects, giving them a fresh perspective, and pointing us to grace-covered truth. What a perfect book at any age and stage of life!--Clare Smith, blogger, speaker, personal coach, and trainer, ClareSmith.me
Tracy Wilde
Imagine what the world would look like if we only used words to build, bless, encourage, and praise? That is the world Karen offers us through her compelling and life-giving challenge to zip it. This book is a much-needed 40-day diet for the soul---leaving you with new and life changing habits on how to use your words!
speaker and blogger at MandyYoung.com Mandy Young
Keeping my mouth shut is a daily struggle---whether it’s talking too much when I need to listen, partaking in the watercooler gossip when I should walk away, writing my opinion on social media when it’s not needed, or the hundreds of other reasons. While doing the Keep It Shut study I became more aware of my mouth and its actions. I am so excited for this devotional and the daily reminders of how to keep it shut! I have a feeling I will start it over every 40 days!
